Ramped Manure Removal Device for Substrate Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manure removal methods in poultry barns are insufficient in completely eliminating fine manure particles and ammonia, leading to health risks for poultry and humans, and environmental pollution, as they often leave residual particles and do not adequately prevent aerosolization.
Innovation Solution
A manure removal device that agitates the substrate using a ramped design to separate fine manure particles from coarser litter through density-based separation, allowing the fine particles to sink and become shielded, thereby reducing their aerosolization and exposure, utilizing a device with a top plane featuring a first and second ramp portion and a bottom plane to facilitate horizontal movement and vertical displacement of the substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If substrate is partially scraped to remove manure, then fine manure particles are removed from surface, but residual particles remain in barn and poultry farmers are still exposed to fine particles and ammonia
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the substrate removal process by using a ramp structure that separates fine particles from coarse substrate material. The ramp creates distinct zones: a first zone where fine particles are displaced upward and removed, and a second zone where coarser substrate remains on the barn floor. This segmentation allows selective removal of harmful fine particles while preserving beneficial coarse substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal scraping to a three-dimensional process using a ramp structure. The ramp introduces a vertical dimension, displacing fine particles upward against gravity while coarser material remains horizontally positioned. This dimensional change enables more complete particle separation and removal compared to conventional two-dimensional scraping methods.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If more substrate is removed to eliminate fine particles, then air pollution is reduced, but substrate coverage area decreases below obligatory minimum
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the substrate into removable fine particle fractions and retained coarse fractions. By applying the ramp structure, fine particles are selectively displaced and removed while coarser substrate material remains in place. This segmentation enables achieving thorough particle removal without requiring complete substrate removal, thus maintaining obligatory minimum coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp structure creates local quality differences in substrate treatment. Areas where the ramp contacts the substrate experience particle displacement and removal, while adjacent areas maintain full substrate coverage. This localized action allows selective removal of fine particles from specific zones while preserving substrate in other zones, meeting both air quality and coverage requirements.
3Productivity
If traditional scraping is used to remove manure, then some fine particles are removed, but the process is labor-intensive and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The device transforms static manual scraping into a dynamic automated process. The ramp structure is designed to be moved through the barn along a predetermined path, automatically contacting and processing substrate in its path. This dynamic movement replaces manual scraping actions with automated mechanical motion, improving productivity while reducing manual operation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs manure removal through self-contained mechanical action. The ramp structure automatically displaces particles through its movement and geometric design, without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system serves itself by using its own motion and structure to achieve particle separation and removal, reducing dependency on manual operation while maintaining high removal efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively reduces the hazardous effects of fine manure particles by shielding them beneath coarser particles, preventing inhalation and environmental spread, while allowing for autonomous operation and complete removal of fine particles from the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
The relative displacement of the manure removal device with respect to the substrate will effect a density-based, e.g. particle-size - based separation in the substrate
Implementation Method 2
effect an upward displacement of the substrate over the first ramp portion relative to the manure removal device and to agitate the substrate therewith
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Manure removal device, configured to be moved in a horizontal movement direction through a substrate arranged on a floor of a poultry barn, in order to remove manure particles from the substrate. The device comprises a top plane, which is configured to form a support for the substrate to rest on. The manure removal is configured to be moved with respect to the substrate, in order to effect an upward displacement of the substrate over the first ramp portion relative to the manure removal device and to agitate the substrate therewith.